Daylesford Shadow House wins design award

Daylesford house wins design award

The Victorian cottage from the original site was preserved and incorporated into the home, winning points for the architecture award. Pictures: Nick Granleese.

A Daylesford house incorporating the old and new has won a Victorian Architectural Award for residential housing alterations and additions.

The house designed by architect Antony Martin from MRTN Architects incorporates a restored two-room Victorian workers cottage into a newly designed home.

HISTORY: The Victorian cottage from the original site was preserved and incorporated into the home, winning points for the architecture award. Picture: Nick Granleese.

Architect Antony Martin said the design was about fitting into the context of the area.

“The house maintains a connection to the past and what was originally on the site,” he said.

“The appearance of the house from the road is the Victorian cottage. I think what was appreciated to win the award was the effort made to maintain the existing cottage and the connection to the history of the site.”

Energy-efficient design principles have given the house an eight star performance rating, maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

NEW AND OLD: Architect Antony Martin said the design concept was that the extension was like a long cast shadow of the original cottage, using dark cladding and deep shadows surrounded by large trees. Picture: Nic Granleese.

Mr Martin said the Victorian aspect at the front of the house becomes a country retreat towards the rear.

“The design concept was that the extension was like a long cast shadow of the original cottage,” he said.

“But it is also about hiding in the shadows, you know, that feeling of being on the floor of the forest, in the dappled shadows of the canopy.

“Inside is an extremely warm place to be in both in colour and materials and passive design techniques.”

WARMTH: “Inside is an extremely warm place to be in both in colour and materials and passive design techniques.” Picture: Nick Granleese.

Builder Sebastian Hardwick said there wouldn’t be another house like it.